LORD OF THE DANCE POSE
Sanskrit Name – Natarajasana
Sanskrit Name Meaning – Nata – Dancer, Raja – Lord / King, Asana - Pose
Type of Asana – Standing Yoga Pose
Target Areas – Core, Back, Legs, Arms, Shoulders and Glutes
WHAT IS LORD OF THE DANCE POSE (NATARAJASANA)?
Lord of the Dance Pose (Natarajasana) is a standing, balancing, back-bending asana in modern yoga. Nataraja is another name for Lord Shiva and his dance represents cosmic energy. It’s also derived from a pose in the classical Indian dance Bharatnatyam, which is often depicted in temple statues.
BENEFITS OF LORD OF THE DANCE POSE (NATARAJASANA)
Improves balance
Strengthens the legs and ankles
Stretches your chest, shoulders and abdomen
HOW TO PRACTICE LORD OF THE DANCE POSE (NATARAJASANA) IN 3 EASY STEPS
Stand in Mountain Pose (Tadasana). Inhale, stand firm on your right foot, lift your left heel up towards your left glute and bend your left knee. Keep your right leg straight and grounded into the floor.
Keep your torso straight, your chest open and your shoulders back. Reach back and hold your left heel with your left hand. Stretch your right arm in front of you and keep it parallel to the ground.
Stay in the pose for up to 30 seconds. Release the left foot to the ground and repeat the pose on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES
Handstand - Adho Mukha Vrksasana
Bow Pose – Dhanurasana
One-Legged King Pigeon Pose - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Cow Face Pose – Gomukhasana
Monkey Pose – Hanumanasana
Reclining Hero Pose - Supta Virasana
Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose - Supta Padangusthasana
Upward Bow (Wheel) Pose - Urdhva Dhanurasana
Camel Pose – Ustrasana
Standing Forward Bend – Uttanasana
Warrior I Pose - Virabhadrasana I
Warrior III Pose - Virabhadrasana III
Hero Pose - Virasana
Tree Pose – Vrksasana
FOLLOW UP POSE
Standing Half Forward Bend - Ardha Uttanasana